Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand
1 Peter 5:6-10 NIV
In this passage, Peter writes to encourage believers to remain humble and dependent on God, even in the face of suffering and persecution.
Humble Yourselves
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Peter emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of a believer. He encourages believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, acknowledging that God is sovereign and in control of all things. This humility is not a natural response, but rather a conscious choice to surrender one's life to God.
Casting Your Anxiety
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Peter reminds believers that they can cast all their anxiety on God, because He cares for them. This is not a lack of concern for their problems, but rather a trust that God is able to handle their anxieties and provide the necessary strength to overcome them.
The Devil Roams
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Peter warns believers to be alert and of sober mind, recognizing that their enemy, the devil, is always on the prowl, seeking to devour them. This is a reminder that believers are engaged in a spiritual battle, and they must be prepared to resist the devil's attacks.
Resist the Devil
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Peter encourages believers to resist the devil, standing firm in their faith. He reminds them that they are not alone in their sufferings, but rather part of a larger family of believers throughout the world who are undergoing similar struggles.
And the God of All Grace
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Finally, Peter reminds believers that the God of all grace, who has called them to eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore them and make them strong, firm, and steadfast. This is a promise of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that their sufferings are only temporary, and that God will ultimately bring them through their trials stronger and more resilient than before.
